PM Kobakhidze highlights Middle Corridor, direct flights during Kyrgyzstan visit

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has highlighted transport connectivity, trade and tourism cooperation as key priorities in Georgia's relationship with Kyrgyzstan during an official visit to Bishkek.

Speaking alongside Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov on Friday, Kobakhidze welcomed the convening of the second session of the Georgia-Kyrgyzstan Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, held in parallel with his visit.

"We are pleased that the second session of the Georgia-Kyrgyzstan Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was held alongside this visit," Kobakhidze said.

He added the meeting provided both sides with an opportunity to discuss in detail ways to expand trade and economic ties between the two countries.

Kobakhidze said the talks also covered cooperation within international organisations and expressed confidence that productive collaboration would continue in the future.

He congratulated Kyrgyzstan on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, describing it as a historic achievement for the country.

A part of the discussions focused on transport and logistics cooperation, including efforts to develop the Middle Corridor, a trade route linking Asia and Europe through the South Caucasus.

Kobakhidze stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation to increase cargo flows along the corridor and improve regional connectivity.

The prime minister also welcomed progress on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, saying it would further enhance links between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

"We are following the implementation of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project with great interest and are pleased that it is progressing rapidly," he said.

Kobakhidze further noted Georgia continued to invest heavily in developing its transit infrastructure and believes these projects will contribute to stronger economic ties between the two countries and their regions.

The prime minister also highlighted tourism cooperation, saying both sides discussed the importance of increasing tourist flows and deepening people-to-people contacts.

He noted that the introduction of direct flights between Georgia and Kyrgyzstan could further boost tourism and business links.

Kobakhidze said he had invited President Japarov to visit Georgia at a time convenient for him and expressed hope that such a visit would take place in the near future.

The Georgian prime minister concluded by thanking the Kyrgyz leadership for its hospitality and expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to develop at an accelerated pace.